Subscribe via RSS Feed

Out of the Habit

[ 8 ] 07/16/2009 |

I’m a big fan of routine when it comes to my weight loss journey.  Okay, fine.  I’m a huge fan of it.  I like having a scheduled time to eat and to work out.  Call me a little OCD if you want, but I know that having a routine is what has gotten me this far.

I’m fine if I have a day or two when my routine gets off. But if I go a week without my routine, I start to get a little nervous.  Why?

Because what happens when we get out of the habit?  One day can turn into two days, and two days can turn into one week, then one week can turn into a really long time.  I’ve been there!  A few times.  I’m sure some of you have, too!

This month has been and will continue to be crazy for me.  And next week is probably going to be the most crazy, insane week of my life.  I’m working 40 hours in the span of 3.5 days so that I can meet up with Christy and Lisa (and maybe some of you other folks??) in Chicago!  People at work have told me I’m crazy for attempting this, but I have a game plan.  I’m going to eat, sleep, and work.  There’s no way exercise is going to be in the schedule.  And honestly?  I’m a little afraid that I’ll get back to my lazy habits.

But  as much as I’m afraid, I’m also confident that I can do this.  That I can get BACK into the habit once life returns to normal.

When life happens, and things get a little out of whack we may have to take a break from the routine.  That doesn’t mean we have to fall off the wagon completely.  It means that we adjust.  We try to be even more militant with what we eat, get exercise in when and if we can, and keep in the mindset that we’re in this for the long haul.

Because even though losing weight is the result, the goal is to be healthy.  We can be healthy even if we’re not in our usual routines.  Does that mean that every.single.day.  I’m going to cut calories and drink nothing but water?  Not a chance (read: I’m eating pizza in Chicago).  But I am going to try to keep a healthy mindset for the most part.  Then, as soon as I can, I’m going to get back into the habit of my work outs.

If you’re out of the habit, that’s fine, but dig deep, keep a healthy mindset, and just TRY!  I know you can do it; I challenge you to do it.  Now, tell me.  How do you plan to do it?

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Category: MIND IT

About april: I'm a brand new cyclist! In just a few short months, the sport has reminded me that it's all about the journey, and I need to enjoy the ride. I live with my two dogs and two birds, and love to spoil my nephew. Oh yeah, and I'm 32. View author profile.

  • http://kcrules.wordpress.com/ Jennie

    I know exactly what you mean! I am currently out of my routine and plan to get back on track ASAP. I normally go to the gym at lunchtime (my office is right across the street from a YMCA), but it's easy to blow that off. Especially if you are too busy or too hungry. I need to get myself some healthy food choices and keep them here at work so I have the energy to stay on track.

    Best of luck to you and have fun in Chicago!

  • christieo

    oh boy do i know what you mean!!!!! i get cold sweats when i think about not being able to fit in a workout, not even because i want to work out but i see my workouts as a “training schedule” and missing means not being on schedule! so what does this mean when it's time for vacation???

    ohhh i am actually going to still try to fit in all my workouts. but i do want to be able to fit in all that nice wine after the kids go to bed too and enjoy vacation time with the husband on a balcony overlooking a beach! time to try and have my cake and eat it too, if only just for one week!

  • christieo

    ps. have the best time ever in chicago! i'm so jealous! i so wanted to go!

  • BrookeF

    i'm having beer and hot wings for dinner tonight. :) what's the use in being a trophy wife if my hubs can't take me out for beers with clients ;)

    which means lots of raw veggies plain for lunch. thankfully my parents garden is full of cucumbers and green peppers.

  • http://bacardimama.blogspot.com/ Nancy

    Now, I understand your comment yesterday. Being you read my post, you know what I'm going to do and I know I can. I'm just a creature of habit and I need a routine and a schedule. Have a fantastic time in Chicago. Give Christy a hug for me!

  • http://www.whooosthatgirl.com Lissa_ShrinkingJeans

    I totally know what you mean. I am so out of my working out habit since my effin' injury which will not go away.

    Have fun in Chicago, hooker. ;o)

  • http://alwayspickedlast.co.uk/ Craig Shaw

    That's a great post actually. I've always struggled with my weight and i've always known that when i'm in a routine that it's easier to achiever my goals of weight loss and increasing fitness.

    When we're out of our comfort zone it's harder to get in the right mindset. 1 night of beer and pizza isn't going to hurt and obsessing about being away from you're regime is just going to make you unhappy. Like me, i'm currently injured and can't do as much as i'd like to do so i've had to adapt and come up with new ways of working out that won't impact on my injury. Once we learn that ability to adapt and break our routine, everything else seems easier to accomplish and we all need to change once in a while anyway!

    Craig

  • http://alwayspickedlast.co.uk/ Craig Shaw

    That's a great post actually. I've always struggled with my weight and i've always known that when i'm in a routine that it's easier to achiever my goals of weight loss and increasing fitness.

    When we're out of our comfort zone it's harder to get in the right mindset. 1 night of beer and pizza isn't going to hurt and obsessing about being away from you're regime is just going to make you unhappy. Like me, i'm currently injured and can't do as much as i'd like to do so i've had to adapt and come up with new ways of working out that won't impact on my injury. Once we learn that ability to adapt and break our routine, everything else seems easier to accomplish and we all need to change once in a while anyway!

    Craig